Unwrapping Holiday Magic at Camaroncito EcoResort & Beach: A 12-Day Family Adventure
Tired of the same old routine during the holidays? Picture this: an escape from winter for the holidays like no other, surrounded by pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and the joyous spirit of Camaroncito EcoResort & Beach on the Caribbean coast of Panama. Buckle up for a 12-day family extravaganza that blends festive cheer with eco-friendly luxury.
Day 1 - Welcome to Paradise for your Family Adventure Vacation
As the plane touches down in Panama, the anticipation of a magical family holiday begins. A friendly driver awaits at the airport, ready to whisk you away to the enchanting French Quarter of Panama City. Check into a historic hotel that seamlessly blends comfort with the charm of the city's gentrified French Quarter. Spend the afternoon strolling through cobbled streets, exploring vibrant stores, and indulging in delicious local cuisine, setting the stage for the festive days ahead. NOTE: Your arrival day meals and drinks while in the city are not included in the package.
Day 2 - Tranquil Transfer to Camaroncito EcoResort & Beach
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to the city and embark on a scenic journey to the Caribbean coast. It is a lovely two hour drive that will cross the northern end of the Panama canal using the amazing new Atlantic bridge. Sip a cold drink as you cruise through lush rainforest, past rolling cattle pastures and along breathtaking Caribbean coastline. You will even pass the beach house of the country’s president Nito Cortizo.
We will meet you at our boat dock area, and you will enjoy a thrilling 45 minute cruise along the Caribbean coast, arriving in time for lunch. We provide quality lifejackets and waterproof storage for your luggage. Arrive at the Camaroncito EcoResort & Beach, where your oceanfront cabana awaits. Settle in with a refreshing beverage and let the soothing sounds of the surf and rainforest provide the soundtrack to your stay. End your first full day with a gourmet dinner featuring fresh, regional delights as you breathe in the salty sea air under the starlit Caribbean sky.
Days 3 to 10: A Symphony of Adventures
We strive for personalized service and customized experiences for all guests. Once your reservation is confirmed with a deposit, we ask that you fill a guest questionnaire regarding your preferences for food and beverage, as well as the style of vacation you are seeking.
You can see the survey here if you are curious about the choices: Camaroncito Guest Survey ... https://forms.gle/kzGpGdvcKckLS9S4A
Keeping Your Tummies Happy
The bulk of our food and drink is sourced locally, though our sauce and spice-rack are quite international. Our menu is a mix of traditional Panamanian fare, cooked with a healthy twist, and a variety of American, European and Asian cuisine. The only complaint we have ever received regarding our food is that it is too delicious to stop at one helping.
An example menu may include ...
Breakfast: many varieties of eggs, pancakes, hojalda (fried bread), tortillas, french toast, oatmeal, yogurt with granola, bacon, ham, sausage, and of course fresh fruit.
Lunch: homemade soup or stew, tacos or burritos, hot and cold sandwiches, amazing hamburgers on fresh rolls, casseroles, salads, dumplings, homemade pizza, fried rice, panamanian tamales, and many varieties of pasta.
Dinner: grilled or roasted meat, chicken or fish, a wide variety of vegetable and starch dishes, fresh bread and butter, fresh fruit or a homemade dessert.
Snacks: We always keep a variety of quick cook favorites on hand to keep any appetite happy, such as fresh cut fried potatoes/yucca/plantains, popcorn popped in fresh coconut oil, nachos or quesadillas, fresh vegetables with dip, fresh fruit, and creative grilled cheese sandwiches!
You can see more about our full board options here: https://www.camaroncito.net/eat-drink
Beachfront Family Cabana
Nourish your soul sleeping in a handcrafted cabana freshened by ocean breezes and calmed by the sound of the surf to the front, and the rainforest behind. Large screened windows and a powerful ceiling fan ensure your comfort.
Each hand-crafted wooden cabana has a terrace with camp chairs, a queen bed and twin bunk beds, quality linens, solar lights/fans and a charging block with US style plugs and USB ports, stocked minibar and coffee service, headlights for use at night, umbrellas, daily housekeeping and free laundry service for guests staying 5 days or more.
An en-suite bathroom has a hot water shower open to the rainforest and toilet with sanitary sprayer, a mirrored vanity with storage and a sink. We provide full size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Family Adventures
Following are a few of the activities that are most popular with families and are included in this package. You can see other options here: https://www.camaroncito.net/activities
Beach Volleyball:
Engage in friendly family competition with a game of beach volleyball, where the soft sand and ocean breeze add a tropical twist to this classic sport.
Beach Obstacle Course:
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with a beach obstacle course, testing your family's teamwork and agility against the backdrop of the sparkling Caribbean waters. The Camaroncito team will guide the kiddos through setting up the course while Mom and Dad relax with cool drink.
Horseback Riding:
Experience the thrill of exploring the pristine Caribbean beach or our permaculture farm on horseback, creating magical moments and lasting memories for the whole family. Our horses are very calm, so even beginners are ensured of a positive experience. You can learn how to saddle up the horses too if you are interested in learning!
Beach Bonfire:
Gather around a crackling beach bonfire under the stars, sharing stories and creating a cozy atmosphere on the tranquil shores of Camaroncito. Guests are invited to participate in building up the fire structures “Burning Man Style” if interested.
Sandcastle Building Competition:
Unleash your creativity in the soft sands of our private beach as your family competes in a spirited sandcastle building competition.
Rainforest Hikes:
Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of the rainforest with guided hikes, discovering hidden river cascades, vibrant flora, and the enchanting sounds of nature. Keep your eyes peeled for rare tree frogs, sloths, monkeys, toucans, parrots and many other birds.
Karaoke:
Ignite the night with a family karaoke session, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter, music, and the joy of shared performances. We also have several acoustic guitars that guests can use.
River Tour & Waterfall Hike:
Embark on a soothing 30 minute river tour, where your family will marvel at the plethora of birds along a wide inland river. There are two incredible waterfalls available. Younger families usually prefer the lower falls, which are a moderate 15 minute hike up the river bed after docking the motorized kayak. The larger falls are a challenging 30 minute hike uphill, but are worth every drop of sweat. Serious hikers are welcome to visit both falls. We pack a lunch for the guide to carry for you.
Boogie Board Waves:
Ride the waves on boogie boards, experiencing the thrill of the Caribbean sea in a safe and enjoyable manner for all family members.
River Cascade Climb:
Conquer the excitement of climbing river cascades that are a 15 minute hike through the rainforest from the Camaroncito social area. Take a thrilling adventure that combines the beauty of nature with a touch of adrenaline.
Tour of Farm:
Discover the charm of our permaculture farm where we grow some of our own produce. Gain insights into the region's rich farming traditions as well as our own sustainable twist.
Feed and Pet Farm Animals:
Personally connect with the tame side of nature by feeding and petting our adorable farm animals, creating heartwarming moments for the entire family. We have horses, sheep, turkeys, ducks and chickens.
Learn to Dance Salsa:
Spice up your winter holiday with a salsa dancing lesson, bringing a taste of Latin rhythm to the shores of the Caribbean. Our powerful sound system and evening lighting add extra flair to the dance floor.
Learn to Open a Coconut with a Machete:
Delve into the local culture by mastering the art of opening a coconut with a machete, a unique skill that adds a touch of adventure to your vacation experience. The Camaroncito team will guide you through how to handle the machete safely.
Hammock Time:
Afternoon siestas in a shaded beachfront hammock will prepare you for an evening of karaoke, laughter, and another exquisite dinner under the stars.
Board Games:
We have a selection of board games available for families to use, including: decks of cards, Uno, Jenga, dominos, Panama monopoly, Bananagram, Set, checkers, chess, and a few others.
Christmas Day: A Tropical Celebration
Wake up on Christmas morning to the gentle sounds of the Caribbean. The Camaroncito team will work together with Mom and Dad to ensure the Kiddos are delighted by a special surprise consistent with your traditions. Dive into a day filled with special holiday activities, from a sweetly indulgent breakfast to an extra festive evening feast, including unique Christmas celebrations with a tropical twist.
Day 11: Wrapping up in Style
After a delicious breakfast, you will board our ocean transport boat for the cruise back to the waiting minivan to bring you back to Panama City, and to the same hotel where you started your Panama adventure.
As you bid farewell to the tranquil paradise of Camaroncito EcoResort & Beach, take with you cherished memories and the promise of returning for more.
The Camaroncito team will publish a Google Drive folder with a collection of photos and videos that we captured of your family along the way. You will have a month to download what you want to keep, then we will delete them.
Day 12: Heading Home Again
We will arrange transport from your hotel back to the airport, with pickup 3 to 4 hours before your scheduled flight time, depending on the day and time traffic considerations. The hotel will provide a delicious breakfast for you, and they will be glad to hold your bags if you have a later flight.
FAQs: Your Queries, Our Answers
Q: Can I book extra nights at the resort, in addition to what is in the package?
Absolutely! Extend your stay and continue to bask in the beauty of Camaroncito EcoResort. You can also shorten the package. For a family of two adults and two children, the daily rate is $300.
Q: Are the Christmas activities suitable for all ages?
Yes, our Christmas celebrations cater to the whole family, ensuring a magical experience for everyone. If your family does not celebrate Christmas, or perhaps if you celebrate Hanuka or Kwanza, we are happy to work with you to ensure your holiday is still extra special.
Q: Where is the historic hotel where we will stay on the first and last nights in Panama City?
Casco Viejo is a section of Panama City dating back to the 1600s. It has since been gentrified, and is filled with colorful architecture, cobblestone walking streets and many restaurants and shops. You can learn more here: https://www.tourismpanama.com/places-to-visit/panama-city/casco-antiguo/
Q: Is the beach safe for children?
Absolutely. Our beach is a private sand cove with gentle waves, making it perfect for walking, swimming, boogie boarding, and overall family fun. Parents must be present with their children when they are in the water. If the waves are rough, we recommend wearing the life vests we use on our boat to ensure you are safe while enjoying the exhilarating feel of diving in the tumbling surf.
Q: Can I customize the adventure activities based on my family's preferences?
Certainly! We're here to tailor your experience, ensuring it's exactly what your family desires.
Q: Are there any additional charges besides the package price?
Nope! We believe vacations are best when you can forget about your wallet, or having to sign for everything. The invoice we send you includes everything, even taxes. You may choose to leave a cash tip for the workers who have cared for you.
More Q&A can be found here: https://www.camaroncito.net/faqs
In conclusion, a family holiday at Camaroncito EcoResort & Beach is more than just a vacation—it's an enchanting journey filled with laughter, adventure, and the warmth of strengthened family bonds. Book now and unwrap the gift of a lifetime!